What should Lawton hosts know about no specific str permit exists?

No specific STR permit exists, but general business licensing is mandatory.

What should Lawton hosts know about the 5.5% hotel-motel tax is?

The 5.5% Hotel-Motel Tax is mandatory for all stays under 30 days.

What should Lawton hosts know about total tax burden is approximately?

Total tax burden is approximately 14.5% including state, city, and county sales taxes.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Lawton?

Zoning is generally permissive but still subject to nuisance and noise ordinances.

STR Laws: Lawton, OK

Baseline Verification

50%

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Verified: Feb 10, 2026

Summary

Lawton does not have specific short-term rental (STR) ordinances, but operations are subject to the city's Hotel-Motel Tax and general business licensing requirements.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 3 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Reporting required
•No STR-specific permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

Lawton doesn't require a specific 'STR permit,' but you must get a general city business license and register to collect the 5.5% Hotel-Motel Tax. You are also responsible for collecting and remitting the 9% total sales tax (state, city, and county).

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$50

Processing Time

1-2 weeks

Max Fine

$500

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Lawton allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Requires written owner consent
•Lawton does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Lawton: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Lawton: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(11)

•Lawton: Tenants CAN host STRs but must get written landlord approval first. Keep documentation.
•Lawton: No specific STR permit exists, but general business licensing is mandatory.
•Lawton does not require STR registration.
•Lawton STR warning: No specific STR permit exists, but general business licensing is mandatory.

Application Process(6)

•Lawton STR permit - Step 3: Register for Hotel-Motel Tax. Register your property with the Finance Department to collect and remit the 5.5% occupancy tax required for stays under 30 days. Required documents: Tax Registration Form. Time: 1 week.
•Lawton: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Business License Application, Tax ID Number, Property Owner Authorization.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Lawton charges a registration fee of $50 (annual).

Taxes(4)

•Oklahoma has a state sales tax of 0.045% that applies to STR rentals.
•Lawton charges a Hotel-Motel Tax of 0.055%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Note: Airbnb collects state sales tax; hosts should verify local hotel tax remittance.
•Lawton: Total tax burden is approximately 14.5% including state, city, and county sales taxes.

Limits & Restrictions(2)

•Lawton enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Lawton limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Lawton requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher.

Penalties(2)

•Lawton: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Lawton enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Varies by ordinance violation. Second offense: Increased fines up to $500. Third offense: Permit/license revocation. Maximum fine: 500. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

•Lawton exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
•Lawton: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

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Oklahoma City regulates short-term rentals under its 'Home-Sharing' ordinance, which requires hosts to obtain an annual $24 license. Rentals are generally limited to the host's primary residence, and properties must comply with specific guest limits and safety standards.

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0.1% total tax

Stillwater

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Stillwater requires a Short-Term Rental License, restricted to property owners only and permitted within specific residential zoning districts.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

Tulsa

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Permissive

The City of Tulsa does not currently require a specific Short-Term Rental license or permit, but defines STRs within its Zoning Code (Ordinance 24458). Hosts must register with the City Clerk for Lodging Tax collection and remit a 5% tax monthly, although major platforms may handle the remittance portion for you.

0.1% total tax

Norman

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The City of Norman requires an annual short-term rental license, an annual property inspection, and monthly remittance of local transient taxes.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

Lawton

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(11)

Application Process(6)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(4)

Limits & Restrictions(2)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other Oklahoma Markets

Oklahoma City

Stillwater

Tulsa

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Lawton

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Are short-term rentals allowed in Lawton?

Related Content

Other Oklahoma Markets

Oklahoma City

Stillwater

Tulsa

Norman